Why Virat Kohli Is Not In India Squad For First Two Tests?

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is set to be absent from the first two Tests against England, as revealed by a recent statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Citing personal reasons, Kohli, who had earlier skipped the first T20I against Afghanistan, has requested a break from the initial Test encounters, slated to take place in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

According to the official release, Kohli personally communicated his decision to India’s newly appointed Test captain, Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors. The statement underscores Kohli’s commitment to representing the country while acknowledging the necessity of focusing on certain personal situations that require his undivided attention. The BCCI, in expressing solidarity with Kohli’s decision, has urged both the media and fans to respect the privacy of the cricketing icon during this period. The board has explicitly discouraged speculation regarding the nature of Kohli’s personal reasons and called for unwavering support for the Indian cricket team as they gear up for the upcoming Test series against England.

The absence of Kohli in the initial Tests poses a considerable challenge for Team India’s aspirations in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The board has yet to announce a replacement for the prolific batter, leaving cricket enthusiasts in suspense. While Abhimanyu Easwaran emerges as a potential contender, the selection committee is yet to confirm the name of the player who will fill Kohli’s shoes in the first two Tests. The batting order will witness a reshuffle, with Shreyas Iyer likely to step in at No. 4, followed by KL Rahul. Additionally, KS Bharat is expected to assume the wicketkeeping responsibilities in Kohli’s absence.

Team India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, has already commenced his preparations for the Tests, as evidenced by training sessions in Mumbai shared by Mumbai Indians (MI). Rohit, eager to secure significant victories, has his sights set on the series against England after earlier successes against South Africa and Afghanistan. As the cricketing fraternity awaits the official announcement of Kohli’s replacement and anticipates the unfolding of the Test series, the focus remains on supporting the Indian cricket team during this challenging period.